Matcha Lemonade: Recipe & How to Make It

Matcha lemonade is a chilled drink made with matcha, lemon juice and water that takes 5 minutes to prepare and yields 2 servings.

What is matcha lemonade?

Matcha lemonade combines finely ground green tea with tart lemon juice and water. The result is a refreshing, unsweetened drink with a grassy tea flavor and a bright citrus finish. Unlike brewed tea, matcha remains suspended in the drink rather than being strained out.

Matcha lemonade contains caffeine from the matcha. For a different option, see herbal detox tea.

How do you make matcha lemonade?

This recipe uses cold water and freshly squeezed lemon juice. There is no steeping time: whisking disperses the matcha, while the lemon juice mixes directly into the water.

Ingredients

480 mL water (2 cups), divided
2 g matcha powder (about 1 teaspoon, or 1/48 cup)
30 mL lemon juice (2 tablespoons, or 1/8 cup)

Steps

Sift the matcha powder into a bowl or measuring jug to break up any clumps.
Whisk in 60 mL of the water (1/4 cup) until the matcha is evenly dispersed.
Stir in the lemon juice and the remaining 420 mL of water (1 3/4 cups).
Divide between 2 glasses and serve cold, over ice if desired.

For another combination to make at home, use the ai detox recipe generator.

Taste the matcha lemonade before serving. If it is too tart or strong for you, add a little more water; the finished yield will be larger. Sifting and adding the water gradually help prevent dry pockets of matcha from forming.

Refrigerate leftover matcha lemonade promptly in a covered container and drink it within 24 hours for best flavor. Discard it if it becomes slimy or develops an unusual odor. Cloudiness and some settling are normal because the matcha powder does not dissolve completely.

What does matcha lemonade do for detox?

Matcha lemonade can contribute to hydration, which helps the body function normally. It does not need to be part of a detox plan, and there is no established evidence that this particular drink removes toxins from the body.

The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification; the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste. Matcha lemonade is best thought of as a flavored drink, not a way to cleanse those organs or replace medical care.

How much matcha lemonade should you drink, and when?

The recipe makes 2 servings of about 255 mL each before ice. One serving is a reasonable starting portion if you are unsure how sensitive you are to matcha. You can drink it with a meal or on its own, according to your preference.

Caffeine content varies by matcha product, so the recipe does not have a reliable fixed caffeine amount. Check the package if it lists caffeine, and include any other caffeine you consume when considering your total. Drinking matcha lemonade earlier in the day may be preferable if caffeine interferes with your sleep.

What are the side effects of matcha lemonade?

Caffeine can cause jitters, a racing heartbeat or difficulty sleeping, especially in people who are sensitive to it. Lemon juice can also aggravate symptoms for some people with acid reflux. If either ingredient bothers you, choose a drink without it.

Most healthy adults are advised to stay at or below 400 mg of caffeine per day from all sources. During pregnancy, keep total caffeine below 200 mg per day and discuss it with your maternity clinician. Children and adolescents should avoid caffeinated drinks; ask a pediatric clinician if you have questions.

If you have a heart rhythm condition, significant reflux or take stimulant medication, ask a clinician whether matcha lemonade is suitable for you. Seek urgent medical help for chest pain, fainting or a rapid or irregular heartbeat that does not settle.

Matcha lemonade FAQs

Why does matcha lemonade settle?

Matcha is a fine powder suspended in the liquid, not an ingredient that fully dissolves. Stir or shake the matcha lemonade again before drinking to redistribute it.